3rd International conference on national safety and security: Resilient citizens in a resilient society

This high level conference for top managers from government, businesses and science is being hosted jointly by the governments of France and the Netherlands: the General Secretariat for Defence and National Security of France (SGDSN) and the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) of the Ministry of Security and Justice of the Netherlands.

The conference will start on 6 February at 12.00 hrs. with a buffet lunch and registration. The programme will continue throughout the following day until 15.45 hrs.

Background and aims of the conference

The aim of this conference is to strengthen international networks and exchange knowledge and best practices under the Chatham House Rule.

This 3rd conference intends to build on the valuable exchange of expertise in the National Safety and Security field that has been facilitated by the previous two conferences. It is an opportunity for high level participants from public and private organisations to meet and share their expertise and good practices on identifying risks and the strategic (capacity) planning needed to face those risks and
highlight the global challenges we face in crisis management and disaster reduction.

The increasing complexity and cross-border nature of these challenges demand an integrated and coordinated approach that is able to deal with the vulnerabilities that shifting societal, technological and environmental developments will create. Even though many governments have by now established National Safety and Security Strategies the question of how to enhance resilience is still a topic for active debate.

Creating a resilient society is a responsibility that governments cannot uphold alone; it involves a whole range of actors in society from public and private organisations to citizens. This shared responsibility requires a shared understanding of the risks societies face and of the roles different actors fulfil in mitigating, preparing for, responding to and recovering from social disruption. Strong networks
both nationally and internationally are essential for this process.

Programme and participation

As co-chairs we will lead you through the programme of a plenary session and three parallel workshops.

The conference will be opened by Mr. Francis Delon, the Secretary General for Defence and National Security of France and Mr. Ivo Opstelten, the Netherlands Minister of Security and Justice. They will set the scene for this conference that is dedicated to exploring strategic policy options to enhance resilience from the perspective of various risks and threats, interests and/or responsibilities.

In the plenary session different views and prospects will be presented that relate to different aspects of national safety
and security. Selected keynote speakers will present their experience with enhancing resilience and will set the scene for the workshop discussions. The speakers will represent civil society and the private and public sector and will each give their insights on the basis of their particular experiences.

On the second conference day participants will have the opportunity to contribute to two of three parallel workshops. The workshops will focus on:

• Lessons learned with regard to resilience from recent disasters;
• How risk analyses can contribute to the preparation for the unexpected and
• How society can be mobilized.

Each workshop will be opened by short presentations of experts from the scientific sector, private companies, public authorities or international organizations and will give participants the opportunity to ask questions and give their reflections.